Category: Spiritual Preparation

The Shofar Is Calling Us Toward Queer Reconciliation: A Kavvanah

The shofar's call urges us to examine our own biases and privileges, to stand in solidarity and to advocate for change.

puck glass, Rabbi Dr. J.B. Sacks, Social Justice Commission September 23, 2024 Elul High Holidays

Doing Teshuvah Outside of Communal Prayers

This teshuvah, written at a time when gathering was not possible, explores doing teshuvah outside of communal prayers.

Reena Bromberg Gaber February 5, 2024 Elul Holidays

5 Kavanot for Elul

Here are 5 kavanot, intentions, for the days and weeks of Elul, approaching the Holy Days. This includes poems, books, and self-reflection.

Rabbi Ilana C. Garber, Adam Berkowitz August 17, 2023 Elul High Holidays

What Am I Afraid Of?

As we continue the work of Elul, examining the words of Psalm 27 can teach us about going beyond the inner voices and what we ...

Rabbi Dr. J.B. Sacks August 17, 2023 Elul High Holidays

Celebrating the High Holy Days From Home

Celebrating the high holy days from home gives us ample opportunity to bring the sacred even further into our lives.

Rabbi Sydni Adler Rubinstein August 13, 2023 Elul High Holidays

5 Myths about T’shuvah

Five myths that we tell ourselves about t'shuvah that keep us from doing it skillfully or doing it at all.

Rabbi Kerry Chaplin September 19, 2022 Elul High Holidays

What to Read to Prepare for the High Holidays this Year

Rabbi Mordechai Rackover recommends these reads to help you prepare for the themes, liturgy, and spirit of the High Holidays.

Rabbi Mordechai Rackover September 16, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Could The Terminator Do Teshuvah?

Rabbi Dan Ornstein teaches us: human freedom is ineradicable and that our dignity is predicated upon our moral responsibility.

Rabbi Dan Ornstein September 16, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Being Called by God

When we say hineni to ourselves and our lives have a spiritual center, our existence will be more meaningful, and we'll live a more purposeful ...

Rabbi Mark Zimmerman September 15, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Rosh Hashanah At Home

Personal and at-home Rosh Hashanah rituals include candle lighting, eating apples with honey, and sharing meals.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 15, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Why Do We Ask for Forgiveness in Elul?

Asking for forgiveness not only cultivates empathy and humility, but it provides an opportunity for renewal.

Emily Jaeger September 7, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Elul’s Shofar: A Poem

Elul's shofar blasts daily remind us of all we need to do to prepare spiritually for the upcoming holidays and the start of the new ...

Rabbi Suzanne Brody September 1, 2022 Elul High Holidays

The Challenge of Faith

In faith: What matters in such things is the attitude of the one who is asking the question. What matters is an orientation of faithfulness.

Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson August 30, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Living With No Regrets

While introspection is healthy, too much regret can discourage us from embracing our unchangeable past and our openness to future choices.

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal August 25, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Non-Ritual Ways of Preparing in Elul

There are many ways to spiritually prepare in Elul for the Yamim Nora'im, the Days of Awe, also known as the High Holidays.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) August 19, 2022 Elul High Holidays